I see you’ve found The Pretty Pimple — I hope you’re enjoying the articles and learning something new! I’ve heard your requests for effective, acne-fighting products, and that’s why I’m so excited to introduce SLMD Skincare to you guys. This line exists to provide solutions for the skincare concerns you popaholics have always asked me about. These products bring together the most effective, blemish-banishing ingredients, so you can treat your skin with clinical confidence.

While a smattering of freckles can be considered cute, there’s nothing attractive about having dark spots all over your face. The name of these dark spots is hyperpigmentation, and it’s a condition that causes patches of skin to darken, thanks to factors like sun damage, hormones, acne or skin injuries.

If your face and hands seem to be racking up dark spots, don’t fret! Treatment options exist to help return your skin to its even-toned beauty. But before we examine how to treat hyperpigmentation, let’s first explain what it is and why it happens.

How does hyperpigmentation happen?

That dark patch you’re eyeing angrily? It’s the result of your skin’s melanocytes, which are cells that create the natural pigment in your skin, aka melanin. When these melanocytes are kicked into overdrive — either by an injury, inflammation or a hormonal change — they make extra melanin that causes dark spots. Some of these darker patches fade naturally over time, while others linger on and on and on …

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Several factors can lead to hyperpigmentation, and singling out the cause of your dark spots can help you choose your plan of treatment.

Age or liver spots tend to be the accumulation of a life lived — particularly in the sun. UV damage over the years forms solar lentigines, which are small dark patches typically found on areas that are frequently exposed to the sun (like your hands and face)You’re your body has had a lot of time in the sun without sunscreen, you’ll likely see these age spots come to the surface earlier in life rather than later. And yes, artificial UV light, such as tanning bed lights, also trigger the formation of age spots.

Though they appear similar to age spots, melasma or chloasma spots are typically larger and are often the result of hormonal changes, like pregnancy or birth control. They tend to form on the face — across the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead and upper lip — creating what has been dubbed a “pregnancy mask.” Melasma can fade on its own when the trigger disappears (once the baby is born or if you stop taking birth control pills) but it can also stick around for much longer.

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is yet another form of skin darkening that tends to strike people with darker skin tones. Its origins are typically an injury, such as a burn, or an inflammatory disorder like infection or dermatitis. More severe cases tend to last while some less serious ones will fade.

Dark spots also can result from acne; a purple or red mark may be left behind after the acne site heals. However, don’t confuse these acne marks with acne scars — scars are raised or dented on your skin, whereas hyperpigmentation is just a discoloring.

Okay, how do I treat my hyperpigmentation?

If you’re battling any form of hyperpigmentation, diligent application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must. But if you already have the age spots, what will sunscreen do? Plain and simple: Sunscreen will help prevent further damage — and, trust us: No matter your age, damage is always occurring. SLMD’s Daily Moisturizer is a two in one solution that will hydrate and protect your skin. Not to mention, the sun has the potential to make those dark marks much worse. As for melasma, staying out of the sun and using sunscreen can fade the condition without need for further treatment, depending on the severity of the case.

Of course, after prevention, you’ll want to add in topical treatments that can help visually improve age spots, melasma and PIH — and aid in slowing their formation.

For that, you need to turn to topical bleach or lightening aid, such hydroquinone. Found in both over-the-counter and prescription creams, liquids or gels (where the concentration is higher and more effective), hydroquinone slows the production of melanin, thereby lightening and fading the dark spot.

The most popular treatment ingredient, hydroquinone, doesn’t agree with everyone’s skin, but the good news is there are plenty of more natural acids that will lighten dark spots. They include vitamin C (formulated as an ester), kojic acid, azelaic acid(a good treatment option for PIH), licorice extract, arbutin (a natural alternative to hydroquinone), and niacinamide. Some of these ingredients can often be found in low doses in over-the-counter formulas, but your dermatologist can discuss any prescription options that contain them as well.

Finally, if topical creams aren’t netting success in diminishing hyperpigmentation, your next step is an in-office treatment. The most effective treatments for hyperpigmentation include chemical peels, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, laser and light-based therapies.

No matter how you choose to treat your hyperpigmentation, be sure to talk to your dermatologist first about the underlying causes so that they can assess your unique skin needs and put you on the right path to spot-free skin. And don’t forget to slather on that sunscreen — the sooner, the better!

I had 2 dark brown spots on my cheek, I tried a lot of products and homemade remedies, nothing worked. I also had microdermabrasion with little improvement. I bought dermalmd lightening serum, put it on the spots at night, felt little tingling but woke up with big dark red/brown circles, freaked out but kept using it for 5 days morning and night. The skin got very dry it almost looked like scabs, I moisturized like crazy (coconut oil), the skin peeled off and was a little pink but within few days after peeling my skin is back to normal and spots are gone. It is very strong, I would not use it all over my face, just spot treatment.

i have hyperpigmentation and acne scarring and need some products to clear my skin. I am a Black woman with ingrown hairs on the chin and terrible acne scarring. I tried to order some products but could not get it ordered to Canada where i live. Can you tell me if you ship to Canada?